The Blue Train Appoints New Executive Chef

Executive Chef, Cresan Ramjathan
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The Blue Train is proud to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef, Cresan Ramjathan. Ramjathan assumed the role in January 2020 and he will be running the complete food and beverage offering at The Blue Train, covering the train sets, the lounges, and all associated MICE engagements.  

Ramjathan is an alumni of the prestigious Durban-based, Christina Martin School of Food and Wine. His specialty was Classic French fine dining, avant-garde cuisine, and Contemporary cuisine and this focus has influenced his career progression over the one and a half decades he has worked in the food and beverage industry.  

Starting off at Balmoral Hotel in Durban, his career took a meteoric rise when he got snatched by the hospitality group, Mantis Collection and worked in the kitchens of No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel, Princess Emma Private Yacht, and the Shamwari Game Reserve. His foray into casinos and large hotel chains saw him finesse his business acumen, making him one of South Africa’s remarkable executive chefs today. He managed Sun International’s Boardwalk Casino in Port Elizabeth’s five restaurants and also worked at Sibaya Casino, Carnival City Casino where he headed a portfolio of seven restaurants, six kitchens, and 100 commis chefs, all under the age of 28. 

A sensory tapestry of South Africa

As he takes over the kitchens of both The Blue Train’s train sets and all food and beverages at the VIP lounges across all routes, Ramjathan echoes his food philosophy: “Food should always be memorable and this approach to food was inspired by my grandmother and her unmatched bread and butter pudding. I cooked with her from an early age and she ingrained in me lessons that exceed yet perfectly complement my formal training. These have carried me from kitchen to kitchen and could not have better prepared me for this next progression in my career.”  

“Running the kitchens of this national treasure is an honour I don’t take it lightly. The Blue Train has the most exquisite view of our landscape, and the gourmet food onboard will complement that adventure. Together with the incredible team, we will explore the culinary possibilities of our world and continue to present a sensory tapestry of South Africa that will be nothing short of memorable,” he concluded. 

Ramjathan will be working closely with The Blue Train’s Executive Manager, Vincent Monyake who said of his appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Cresan to the award-winning team. His passion for food and his experience across establishments of different sizes and types makes him absolutely perfect for this role. He has a great understanding of the value of our food in creating the ultimate African luxury rail adventure and together, we will continue to elevate The Blue Train experience. We cannot wait for South Africa and the rest of the world to experience his culinary genius.”

About The Blue Train

The Blue Train is a business unit of Transnet Freight Rail, a division of Transnet SOC Limited and has been in existence since 1946. It offers a unique way of experiencing some of Southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. On this train, luxury assumes a new dimension. Take a journey into a timeless world of grace; elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery will stir your imagination and luxurious comfort will soothe your mind, body, and soul.

Please visit www.bluetrain.co.za for further information